Video Ministries

Christ's Eternal Vigilance

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that
holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the
seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy
patience. Rev. 2:1, 2. {LHU 318.1}

The picture reveals eternal vigilance. Christ is in the midst of the seven
golden candlesticks, walking from church to church, from congregation to
congregation, from heart to heart. He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers
nor sleeps. If the candlesticks were left to the care of human beings, how
often the light would flicker and go out! But God has not given His church
into the hands of men. Christ, the One who gave His life for the world, that
all who believe in Him may not perish but have everlasting life, is the
Watchman of the house. He is the Warder, faithful and true, of the temple
courts of the Lord.

"These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand." The
words are spoken to the teachers in the church--those entrusted by God with
weighty responsibilities. The sweet influences that are to be abundant in
the church are bound up with God's ministers, who are to reveal the precious
love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under His control. He fills them
with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not do this,
they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but
instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through
His power. Through them His light is to shine forth. The Saviour is to be
their efficiency. If they will look to Him as He looked to His Father, they
will do His work. As they make God their dependence, He will give them His
brightness to reflect to the world.

Christ walks in the midst of His churches through the length and breadth of
the earth. He looks with intense interest to see whether His people are in
such a condition spiritually that they can advance His kingdom. He is
present in every assembly of the church. He knows those whose hearts He can
fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it to others. Those who
faithfully carry forward the work of Christ, representing in word and deed
the character of God, fulfill the Lord's purpose for them, and Christ takes
pleasure in them. {LHU 318.4}

"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience." Christ is acquainted
with the history and experience of every one who has accepted Him. To His
people He says, "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." He
cherishes carefully every act of love and endurance performed by them. . . .
Christ holds the stars in His right hand, and it is His purpose to let His
light shine forth through them to the world. Thus He desires to prepare His
people for higher service in the church above. . . . Let us show forth in
our lives what divine grace can do for humanity (Review and Herald, May 26,
1903).

>From Lift Him Up - Page 318

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